G E T T O K N O W
Gwen
My Story
& H O W I C A N H E L P
Hi, I’m Gwen
I’m a trauma-focused therapist with a specialty in religious trauma and faith deconstruction. I work with individuals who are questioning their beliefs, leaving high-control religions, or healing from spiritual abuse. My own experience with deconstruction gives me a personal, compassionate understanding of just how disorienting and emotionally complex this journey can be.
I grew up in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS/Mormonism), where my faith shaped every part of my life—my values, identity, relationships, and daily decisions. I followed the path I was taught to believe in: I served a mission, married in the temple, and checked all the boxes I was told would lead to a fulfilling life. Having gone through my own Mormon faith crisis and process of deconstruction, I understand how complex and disorienting this journey can be.
I know how hard it is to walk away from a belief system that once defined your entire world. With both lived experience and specialized training as a trauma-focused therapist, I offer a compassionate, grounded space to help you process the grief, confusion, and identity shifts that often come with religious trauma, spiritual abuse, or navigating life after leaving religion.
This is a space where you can be honest, feel heard, and heal at your own pace—without pressure, judgment, or expectations.
Many therapists lack training in religious trauma and faith deconstruction, often leaving clients to educate them. I strive to offer a different space—one where you feel truly understood, supported, and free to heal.
To Therapy
Clients describe my approach as compassionate and supportive. My goal is to provide a safe and open space where you can process difficult emotions and experiences, honoring your unique healing pace.
M Y A P P R O A C H
I use a trauma-informed approach and draw from different therapeutic methods to support your healing, adapting my approach to what works best for you as an individual.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) helps process and heal trauma.
You might benefit from this approach if traditional talk therapy or repeatedly discussing your triggers hasn’t helped you move past them, and you’re looking for a way to process distressing experiences on a deeper level.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps reframe negative thought patterns.
You might like this approach if you tend to overanalyze situations, jump to worst-case scenarios, or struggle with self-doubt and want concrete strategies to break out of unhelpful thought loops and respond to challenges more effectively.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages mindfulness and flexibility in handling emotions.
You might benefit from this approach if trying to control or suppress your thoughts and feelings hasn’t worked, and you’re looking for a way to build a meaningful life based on your own values.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) helps explore and integrate different parts of yourself.
You might like this approach if you feel like different parts of you are in conflict, if you want to develop more self-compassion and inner harmony, or if you feel disconnected from parts of yourself that carry pain, fear, or shame.
MY GOAL IS TO HELP YOU RECLAIM YOUR LIFE, REBUILD YOUR SENSE OF SELF, AND MOVE FORWARD WITH CLARITY, SELF-COMPASSION, AND CONFIDENCE.
My Values
By showing up as my true self, I create a space where you feel safe to do the same.
I use creative approaches to help you explore new perspectives and find what works best for you.
I believe in your ability to heal and grow, and I’ll support you in reclaiming your own strength.
I approach therapy with openness and curiosity, helping us uncover deeper insights together.
I am committed to my own growth as a therapist so I can support you in yours.
Curious about your own values?
My Values Card Deck, inspired by ACT therapy and designed with a tarot-style twist, is a creative way to discover what matters most to you.
Credentials
P R O F E S S I O N A L
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in California (LPCC #14704)
Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Utah (CMHC #14212778-6004)
Masters of Science in Counseling, Emphasis in Clinical Mental Health - 2020
Johns Hopkins University
Bachelors of Science in Psychology - 2017
Brigham Young University—Hawaii
Trainings
A D D I T I O N A L
As a therapist, I’m always looking for ways to grow and learn so I can better support my clients. I regularly take part in trainings, workshops, and other professional development opportunities to stay up to date with new techniques and insights. Here are a few of the relevant trainings I have completed:
EMDR Basic Training with Jamie Marich, Institute of Creative Mindfulness
EMDR for Spiritual Abuse with Jamie Marich, Institute of Creative Mindfulness
Religious Trauma and Transitions Training with Tiffany Roe
Certificate in Traumatic Stress Studies- Bessel Van Der Kolk, Trauma Research Foundation
Certificate in Religious Trauma Studies through Traumastery
IFS Online Circle through the IFS Institute
Experience
P R O F E S S I O N A L
Diverse Clinical Experience
Since 2017, I’ve had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, including residential treatment, inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, non-profits, and private practice. Early in my career, I worked at Interim, Inc., a residential facility supporting high-need clients facing challenges like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders, which shaped my understanding of mental health as complex, deeply personal, and unique to each individual.
Training & Specialties
Through my internship at Johns Hopkins Hospital and a local outpatient center in Maryland, I worked with individuals managing chronic pain, anxiety, and depression. These experiences reinforced my belief that healing looks different for everyone, and that meeting people where they are is key to real growth.
Supporting Teens and Young Adults
I have almost 5 years of experience providing online therapy to teenagers and young adults for a non-profit based in Oakland, CA. I especially enjoy helping young people with identity development, life transitions, and trauma—creating a space where they feel truly seen, heard, and supported.
Filling the Gap in Religious Trauma Support
My own experience with religious deconstruction made me realize just how deeply religious trauma can impact mental well-being. I saw a lack of therapists who truly understood this experience and could provide informed, compassionate, and nonjudgmental support. This led me to start my own private practice that focuses on helping others process their experiences, heal, and rebuild their sense of self outside of harmful religious frameworks.
"OWNING OUR STORY AND LOVING OURSELVES THROUGH THAT PROCESS IS THE BRAVEST THING WE'LL EVER DO.”
BRENÉ BROWN